Book Review: A Hitch-Biker's Guide Through Africa by Jo Charnock

Jo Charnock

about this book: 'A Hitch-biker's Guide Through Africa' is the story of a journey from Cairo to Cape Town using folding bicycles. This method of travel is definitely a first in Africa, if not a pretty unique way to travel anywhere.

What started out as a simple, relatively unplanned trip turned into an inspirational journey. The original idea had never included writing a book, but the beauty of Africa, and the people we met along the way, inspired me to share our experiences. The kindness of complete strangers, and the happiness of people who have nothing compared to western standards, should be a lesson to us all. Plus the simplicity of travelling with a folding bicycle proved to be extremely straight forward and so much fun. Which is, of course, a contradiction when mentioning travel through Africa - most people's initial reaction is one of horror, shock or disbelief. If this book can change even one person's misconceptions of this amazing continent, then it was worth all the hard work.

mesmerising tale of adventure and beauty

The Hitch-biker's Guide Through Africa is proof that the real beauty of life is living beyond your comfort zone. And Jo Charnock tells you the story of her and her partner Jan's amazing journey through Africa with a zest for life and adventure that makes you want to pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and get going on a folding bike! From the sphinxes and pyramids of Egypt to Ethiopia's Simien Mountains, then down to Kenya (where the couple were chased by a riotous mob), Tanzania and Malawi, and on to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia, this journey is a riveting memoir that will inspire anyone with a yearning to travel. The great thing about this guide is its ability to bring the real magic of Africa and the freedom of the open road into the reader's own home. With its descriptions of the people, wildlife and natural beauty the couple encountered on their journey, the book successfully challenges the commonly held assumption that home is where the heart is. [by Tim O'Hagan]